Themed results: Most responses touch many themes. The most common themes are the following:

... a community with good or better planning.
- Most often in the sense of growth near existing infrastructure capacityand in targeted locations, but also occasionally with a mix of growth sectors.
- Variations of the phrase “live work and play” are used.
... a community that supports farming.
- Most often preserving farmland as open space and the economic viability of farms.
... a community that controls growth
- Sometimes limiting it to municipalities or the southern end of the county.
- Sometimes limiting the type of development (especially apartments).
- Sometimes slowing development speed.
... a community that supports business
- Most often with reference to small or local businesses, or new jobs
- A few that specify large businesses and big box stores.
- Often paired with jobs for County residents or as a source of tax revenue.
... a communisty that embraced nature
- Through open spaces, parks, and greenways; and support for trees and wildlife.
... a communty where transportation is more effective.
- Most often in the sense of improving traffic.
- Sometimes including walking or regional transportation.
... a commmunity that retains the feel of a small town or rural area.
- In the sense the look, feel, and character of the community.
- Comments often also express support for farming (#2).

Additional themes include:

... a community with quality educational opportunities.
... a community with available activities and arts and cultural options.
... a community where residents have a high quality of life.
... a community that is affordable to its residents and workers.
- (often paired with housing, job availability, or both)
... a community with efficient and effective government services.
- (often paired with a desire for safety)
... a community with a variety of places and characters across it.
- (i.e. something for everybody)
... a community that is a good place to raise a family.
... a community in close proximity to other areas of the region.
... a community that is welcoming.

Iredell County 2045 Horizon Plan Public Engagement Summary Report